Avalanche draft-pick shakes up hockey world with surprising move
Photo credit: Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Conor Timmins shocks the hockey world by signing a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
Timmins' contract carries an AAV of $2.2 million for the next two seasons.
Former Avalanche defenseman Conor Timmins signs with Sabres.
Gabriel Foley from Pro Hockey Rumors writes that by signing the deal, both parties avoid an arbitration hearing, despite earlier reports indicating they were still far apart on contract terms.
Buffalo acquired Timmins and Isaac Belliveau from the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for Connor Clifton and a second-round pick.
"Timmins will double his salary in his new landing space, after spending the last two seasons on a two-year, $2.2MM contract originally signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023. The deal came on the heels of Timmins' first full season with the Leafs, though his year was ultimately limited to 25 games by a long-term, lower-body injury." -Foley
He tallied 14 points during that stretch, which earned him a return to the NHL for the 2023-24 season. However, Timmins was once again hampered by injuries, managing just 10 points in 25 games.
"The battles through health have headlined much of Timmins' career, but strong play on both sides of the ice have kept him fixed in NHL lineups despite limited minutes." -Foley
Buffalo clearly sees untapped potential in Timmins. The Sabres parted with veteran defenseman Connor Clifton and a notable draft pick to acquire his negotiating rights, and have now committed to him with a hardy contract considering his limited NHL resume.
"He's been a stout, two-way defender in his healthy minutes - capable of moving the puck, shutting down opponents, and throwing hits. But he's yet to appear in more than 51 games with one club in a single season, and has averaged just 27 games per season through his six-year NHL career." -Foley
Joining the Sabres gives Timmins a real opportunity to finally establish himself and deliver on the promise he showed as the Colorado Avalanche's 32nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.
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JUILLET 27 | 22 ANSWERS Avalanche draft-pick shakes up hockey world with surprising move Do you think the Avalanche gave up too soon on defenseman Conor Timmins? | ||
| yes | 11 | 50 % |
| no | 11 | 50 % |
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